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Is it a sofa bed? Is it a traditional thin mattress that’s used by Japanese people? What is a futon? I spent many hours researching all I could about futons to give you the only comprehensive guide you’ll ever need. In this article, you’ll learn about the origin of futons, its different styles, and the various benefits that they offer.
What is a futon?
Nowadays, the word futon is used to describe one of three things: Western-style convertible sofa beds, traditional Japanese floor futons, and platform bed futons. Don’t be confused if sofa beds, futon mattresses, and thin cotton mattresses are all called futon.
That said, the ancient Japanese were the first ones to use the word “futon” which originally meant round mat or cushion filled with leaves. For many centuries, Japanese people have been known for keeping life simple, clean, and uncluttered by living with just the essentials. Hence the use of traditional futons which provide a comfortable sleeping space at night and can be stored away during the day to make way for other activities.
Futon mattresses have recently been growing in popularity because of their versatility and affordability. Many people, including myself, have been getting a futon mattress when moving into their first apartment. It’s a great space-saving option that does an excellent job as a functional sleep surface.
Styles of futon
As I mentioned earlier, there are 3 different futon styles: a Western-style futon, a Japanese futon, and a platform bed futon. Despite having variations in style, each of these three futons feature a support component, a mattress layer, and some sort of cover. I’ll go into more detail on each of these futon styles below.
Western-style futon
Also known as American-style futons, Western-style futons are designed to be functional mattresses that can be used as a sleeping surface at night and as a sofa cushion during the day. These futon mattresses are made with similar materials as regular mattresses. Some are made with memory foam, some with innerspring coils, and other models even feature hybrid constructions. Western-style futon mattresses are usually at least 8 inches thick and are durable and resilient.
Japanese futon
Japanese-style futon mattresses are THE ORIGINAL version of futon that have been used since the 19th century. Also known as traditional futons, Japanese futon mattresses have a slimmer profile and are usually laid out directly on the floor. It serves as a minimalist sleeping surface at night, and it can be folded up and stored away during the day to free up space in your room.
A traditional Japanese-style futon mattress is typically less than 6 inches thick, and filled with materials such as cotton batting, feathers, or foam. A traditional futon set has several components: a shikibuton (mattress), kakebuton (duvet), mofu (blanket), tatami (mat), and a sobakawa (buckwheat pillow).
A Japanese futon mattress is usually completely machine-washable, which is a great perk. However, traditional mattresses might only come in one or two sizes depending on the brand.
Platform bed futon
Platform bed futons are simply foam futon mattresses that are commonly placed low to the ground on a platform bed frame. Unlike a convertible futon frame and mattress set, a platform bed futon mattress can’t be folded into a sofa bed.
They are made with different materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, and springs. Platform bed futons are great for those who want a minimalist sleep experience but don’t want to sleep on the floor.
Futon pros and cons
Pros
- Saves space – Whether you get a Western-style or a Japanese futon mattress, it’s going to be well-suited for tight spaces and small apartments. Limited space shouldn’t be an issue because a traditional futon sofa bed can serve as both a mattress and a sofa, while a Japanese futon mattress can be folded and stored away during the day.
- Inexpensive – A traditional sofa bed futon is usually more affordable than regular spring or foam mattresses. A shikibuton (futon mattress) is even cheaper due to its slim profile. You can use either of these futon styles for your guest bed or for traveling. Why are futon mattresses great for traveling? Read the next section.
- Lightweight – A futon mattress, especially a traditional Japanese model, is super light and easy to move and fold. It’s typically made with organic cotton, wool, and foam fillings.
Cons
- Too thin for some – The thickness and materials of a futon mattress determines the support and comfort that it can provide. Some individuals might find traditional futon mattresses to be too thin and lacking in cushioning. Moreover, heavier sleepers won’t be able to get the durable support that they need to keep their spine in alignment.
- Poor durability – Although the average lifespan of a futon mattress is 3-5 years, it’s significantly less durable than regular memory foam or hybrid mattresses. Japanese futon mattresses in particular, require extra care and maintenance because of their slim profiles.
Futon compared to other types of beds
You may have heard of these terms being used interchangeably: futon, daybed, sofa bed, trundle bed etc. So, I included this part to clear the confusion and give you all the information you need to distinguish one from the other.
Futon vs. daybed
A daybed is a form of multifunctional furniture that can be described as half a bed and half a sofa. Unlike regular beds, daybeds have a headboard that only extends along one side of the bed. If you’re looking for a place to lounge or nap during the day, a daybed is a suitable (and elegant) option.
Its main difference from a futon is that it isn’t convertible. It can function as a sofa or bed but its structure doesn’t change like a futon sofa bed.
Futon vs. sofa bed
Futons and sofa beds are different types of products that have similar use cases.
Also known as sleeper sofas, sofa beds usually have a frame attached underneath which can be pulled out when you want to use it as a bed. This frame contains a mattress that you can sleep on at night and push back in during the day.
On the other hand, a futon has a more streamlined construction in which the cushions for sleeping and for sitting are the same. A futon commonly features an adjustable backrest that can be flattened to give you a comfortable sleeping surface at night.
Futon vs. trundle bed
A trundle bed is another space-saving option that’s basically a wheeled bed that’s stored underneath a twin bed. This bed can be rolled out for sleepovers, guests, or just as an extra mattress.
In contrast, a futon is like a convertible couch that can transform into a bed for you to sleep on at night. Although both a futon and a trundle bed are great for limited spaces, the latter can accommodate two people with one on each mattress.
Futon types
We’ve already established that there are 3 different futon styles. Now, let’s get into the various types of “futon frames”. It’s imperative that you know what futon frame to choose to get the most benefits and value out of it. The following are the most common futon frame types being used today.
Convertible sofa
A convertible sofa consists of a mattress and a frame that can be used as a sofa during the day and a cozy mattress at night. Convertible sofa beds are great if you live in a small studio apartment and you want to save as much space as possible.
Futon chair
Similar to lounger futons, a futon chair features armrests on either side and can be used not just for sitting but also for sleeping. It’s a good option for those who need additional seating space in their living room.
Futon and mattress combo
To put it simply, a futon and mattress combo is what we call a Western-style futon. It’s a convertible frame that can function as a sofa and as a bed depending on what you need.
Loveseat futons
A loveseat futon frame is designed to be used in pairs, with each side featuring a folding mattress. As its name suggests, a loveseat futon is best suited for couples who have very limited space.
Trifold
Not as common as the others, a trifold futon frame has three sections that can be folded in thirds to create a bed or a sofa. Although this is great for smaller rooms, keep in mind that it will get lower and closer to the floor once it’s folded out completely.
Bifold
A bifold futon frame features two sections that can be folded in half to create a sofa during the day and a bed at night. Perfect for pairing with an American/Western futon mattress, a bifold frame also does a great job of saving space during daytime.
Adjustable arms
This type of frame is basically a futon with adjustable arms to help you get the correct setup for your needs. You can easily increase or decrease the length of this futon frame.
How to take care of a futon mattress
Before we end, here are some quick and easy tips on how to take care of your futon mattress.
- Regularly air your futon under the sun to disinfect it and remove moisture.
- If its machine-washable, launder your mattress every week or two to keep it clean and fresh all year-round. If it’s not machine-washable, you can spot clean the futon instead with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Flip your futon mattress from time to time to combat wear-and-tear.
- Store your futon mattress in a cupboard that’s clean and dry to prevent the accumulation of dust mites and bacteria.
FAQs
If you’re someone who prefers to have a minimalist sleeping experience, you can use a futon mattress as your main bed.
Western-style futon mattresses are very similar to normal mattresses. However, traditional Japanese mattresses are thinner and made with different materials than regular foam or innerspring mattresses.
Yes, futon is Japanese word which originally meant round mat or cushion filled with leaves.
Conclusion
To recap, the word “futon” is currently used to describe Western-style convertible sofa beds, traditional Japanese floor futons, and platform bed futons. A futon is affordable, lightweight, and excellent for limited spaces. Although there are different types of futon frames, the most popular ones are convertible sofa and bifold futons.
Next step: Learn more about the best queen-size futons. Queen is the most common futon mattress size, so we tested out all of the leading brands and narrowed them down to the ones we think are best. If you’re looking for a new futon, any option from this list will be a great choice.
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